Aerodigestive Center

Our Aerodigestive Program in BCHP not only has expert physicians to evaluate and treat your child, but in addition we have numerous out-reach offices throughout the Hudson Valley. Knowing that children with aerodigestive issues may have complex care and require routine follow up, we make it easier where our specialists come to you. We also offer telehealth visits which can be alternated with in-person visits, limiting your child’s exposure to viral illnesses.

Aerodigestive disorders include a wide variety of issues in children and adolescents related to breathing, swallowing, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. These include those of the upper and lower respiratory tract, and the upper gastrointestinal system.

Here at Boston Children Health Physicians (BCHP), we have a superb multidisciplinary team well suited to evaluate, diagnose, and manage your child or adolescent’s issues. Our team is comprised of Pulmonologists, Gastroenterologists, Allergists, Otolaryngologists (ENT), Sleep Medicine Physicians, Surgeons, and Speech-Language Pathologists.

As experts in their fields, our physicians are dedicated to using cutting-edge diagnostic, bronchoscopic, endoscopic, and therapeutic technology to provide the best possible outcome for every one of our patients. In addition, we have a wonderful support staff including respiratory therapists, social workers and dietitians.

• Abnormal or high-pitched noisy breathing
• Choking episodes or coughing with food or drink
• Chronic cough or resistant asthma
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Failure to thrive
• Frequent vomiting or food regurgitation
• Recurrent croup
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Reflux

Depending on the concern and the differential diagnosis for your child’s problem, different studies may be used to diagnose the issue. These may include:

• Acid Reflux Testing
• Airway Fluoroscopy
• Bronchoscopy (Flexible and/or Rigid)
• Capsule Endoscopy
• Chest X-ray
• CT (Computed Tomography) of the neck and/or chest
• Endoscopy
• Esophageal Manometry
• FEES (Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
• Hydrogen Breath Testing for Lactose Intolerance
• Modified Barium Swallow
• pH probe or pH Impedance Studies
• Pulmonary Function Testing, with possible exercise tolerance testing or exercise bronchoprovocation testing
• Upper gastrointestinal series with or without small bowel follow through